Editorial | Caregivers should not fall through the gaps in Hong Kong society’s safety net
- The case of a man and his bedridden mother found dead in their flat again highlights the need for more targeted measures to identify high-risk families
Hong Kong prides itself as a caring society. But there is also no shortage of family tragedies that might be avoided by more proactive social services.
Such sorry tales have seemingly occurred more frequently in recent years, so much so that society risks becoming insensitive to the underlying issues that may trigger more mishaps.
There is a need for deeper reflection on the existing support for the needy, especially for caregivers whose plight often falls through the gaps in our safety net.
The latest case is sadly all too familiar. A 60-year-old man and his 82-year-old bedridden mother were found dead in their Kwun Tong flat on August 7. The man apparently died in an accident while the elderly woman passed away because of a lack of care.
The incident came to light when the landlord showed up to collect rent after being unable to contact them for a few days. Authorities were called when the son’s body was found blocking the door, with a foul smell coming from the flat.
Sources said the woman had suffered from illnesses including high blood pressure and diabetes for years and required daily care from her son.
Whether more proactive service outreach could have saved their lives is just hypothetical. But there is a case for more targeted measures to identify high-risk families and offer temporary and emergency care support.
